News Briefs

WorkJam, the leading digital frontline workplace solution, announced two new features—an AI chatbot and a "Live Streaming" video tool—designed to enhance communication, streamline operations, and empower businesses and their frontline teams. These updates further solidify WorkJam’s position as a leader in frontline workforce management tools. They make it easier for companies to engage, train, and support their employees in real time while improving efficiency and productivity across operations.

“Our mission has always been to empower frontline employees and drive productivity gains and make their work lives easier,” said Steven Kramer, CEO of WorkJam. “With the AI chatbot and live video streaming feature, we’re introducing tools that feel familiar to many frontline workers because they use similar technology in their everyday lives. These features raise the bar for workforce management, enabling businesses to connect with and support their teams in real time. Designed to improve day-to-day operations and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment, these features ultimately make a meaningful difference for businesses and frontline employees alike. WorkJam’s focus is on providing AI-driven personalized, ethical and compliant tools, which make this a major differentiator.”

AI Chatbot

WorkJam’s AI chatbot improves how employees access and search for information by offering an intelligent, conversational discovery experience. Acting as a centralized hub, WorkJam’s AI chatbot connects all sources of information, reducing manager burden and serving as a resource for your frontline. For employees, the chatbot saves time by enabling them to quickly locate answers, training materials, and policies instead of navigating complex interfaces or waiting for manager assistance.

Live Streaming

WorkJam’s Live Streaming feature brings real-time video broadcasts directly to the platform, evolving how businesses connect with their frontline teams. It enables instant delivery of company updates, training sessions, and crisis instructions, ensuring all employees, no matter where they are, stay informed and aligned. Leaders can also use live video to host interactive Q&A sessions and celebrate team milestones, fostering stronger connections and a sense of inclusion across the workforce. For employees, the feature offers live training and visual demonstrations that simplify complex tasks, along with real-time guidance from managers or experts to improve performance and resolve issues quickly.

These tools, which will be seamlessly integrated into WorkJam’s platform, address two of the biggest challenges faced by deskless workers: barriers to accessing critical information and a lack of real-time support. These new features work hand in hand with other WorkJam tools like training, task management, and two-way communication, creating a unified experience that drives productivity and engagement.

Motorola Solutions entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Theatro Labs, Inc. (“Theatro”), maker of AI and voice-powered communication and digital workflow software for frontline workers, based in Richardson, Texas.

Theatro’s software-as-a-service platform, purposefully designed for frontline workers, provides a suite of collaboration applications that deliver information in real time to help improve their productivity and physical safety. Using conversational language through a wearable device, users can ask Theatro’s AI voice assistant for guidance to assist customers, check inventory and pricing, and communicate with other team members. The technology can help accelerate employees’ work processes and product knowledge.

Additionally, with frontline employee safety threats and theft incidents continuing to rise, Theatro enables employees to discreetly alert management and security teams when they feel unsafe directly through the wearable device, while the AI voice assistant can issue step-by-step safety and incident protocol guidance to help manage a response. Theatro’s software also integrates with video security cameras to identify potential theft or safety threats, and proactively alert employees on the store floor.

“Theatro is designed to prioritize both safety and operational efficiency, which are essential for all frontline workers,” said Mahesh Saptharishi, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Motorola Solutions. “With Theatro, we are continuing to invest in innovative technologies that purposefully apply AI to protect employees while automating how they work and improving their service to customers.”

Theatro serves well-known U.S. retailers across a broad range of merchant categories. Motorola Solutions and Theatro expect to integrate complementary workflows across Motorola Solutions’ portfolio of technologies, including body cameras, fixed video, panic buttons and radios, to provide new value-added services to existing customers while expanding growth opportunities in industries such as hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing and education.

“For more than a decade, we have been passionate about innovating for frontline workers,” said Chris Todd, President & CEO, Theatro. “We’re thrilled to be joining Motorola Solutions to enable even more capabilities that help team members remain safe while delivering their best work every day.”

Both Motorola Solutions and Theatro will be exhibiting at NRF '25 - Retail's Big Show from Jan. 12-14 in New York City. Motorola Solutions will be located at booth #706 and Theatro at booth #807.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, following receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

HTeaO, a iced tea franchise, announced the launch of a comprehensive new technology suite designed to enhance guest engagement, streamline the ordering process, and elevate the loyalty experience. Developed in partnership with Detroit Labs, Paytronix, and Growth Factor, this state-of-the-art digital ecosystem includes an all-new custom-built mobile app, an integrated loyalty and gift card program, and a newly redesigned website.

A Next-Generation Mobile App

Custom-built by digital innovation studio Detroit Labs, the newly launched HTeaO mobile app delivers a significantly upgraded user experience. Customers can now place orders online with multiple fulfillment options—pick-up in store, curbside service, and delivery through DoorDash. Additionally, the new app supports secure payments through Apple Pay, while allowing users to seamlessly customize tea flavors and coffee beverages, including cups, gallons, and other preferences. With this rollout, loyalty “Drips” are rebranded as “Points,” providing a fresh, modern feel to the program’s rewards system.

“Launching HTeaO’s next generation of mobile apps is a major milestone,” said Dan Ward, Co-Founder and President of Detroit Labs. “This isn’t just another launch—it’s a bold step forward, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of their journey.”

Loyalty, Rewards, and Gift Cards by Paytronix

The new loyalty program, powered by Paytronix, allows customers to earn 2 Points for every dollar spent. Once users accumulate Points, they can unlock exciting rewards:

• 50 Points: 50% off a cup of tea
• 75 Points: A free cup of tea or free mini gallon
• 100 Points: A free gallon or coffee beverage

Customers can earn Points by scanning their app in-store, entering the barcode at the bottom of their receipt, or providing their phone number at checkout. This seasoned loyalty partner was chosen for its proven track record, having recently supported a successful app launch with Krispy Kreme.

“HTeaO is renowned for their incredible teas and hospitable brick-and-mortar experience,” said Andrea Mulligan, Chief Customer Officer at Paytronix. “One thing both Paytronix and HTeaO both understand well, is the power of personalization. By leveraging our technology, HTeaO can offer a personalized, flexible rewards program. Whether customers want to customize their tea flavors or choose how they spend their Points, this collaboration creates a data-driven platform that gives guests exactly what they want.”

A Freshly Brewed Online Presence from Growth Factor

HTeaO has also partnered with Growth Factor to launch a revamped website, providing a sleek, user-friendly interface. The new site features integrated store locators, enhanced e-commerce capabilities, and seamless navigation, aligning with HTeaO’s mission to deliver premium beverages and exceptional service in every community it serves.

“Collaborating with HTeaO to develop their new digital platform has been an exciting endeavor,” said Justin Green, Founder and CEO of Growth Factor. “Our goal was to create a website that not only captures the essence of the brand but also offers a superior online experience for customers nationwide.”

A Commitment to Brewing Purpose

This tech launch represents a significant investment in HTeaO’s ongoing mission to ‘Brew Purpose’ within every community it touches. By prioritizing convenience, customization, and digital engagement, HTeaO aims to strengthen customer relationships, drive brand loyalty, and ensure that customers can enjoy their favorite beverages in the most seamless way possible.

“The introduction of our new app, loyalty program, and website is a transformative moment for HTeaO,” said Heath Nielsen, President of HTeaO. “Customers value convenience and an outstanding user experience, and these enhancements allow us to deliver on that promise. This digital evolution not only makes ordering and earning rewards easier but also reflects our commitment to continuously improving the ways we engage with our customers.”

To celebrate the launch, HTeaO will offer a free Huge Tea to all customers who download the new app and join the loyalty program.

Shake Shack Inc. has tapped retail veteran Justin Mennen to be its new Chief Information and Technology Officer, effective January 13. Mennen will report to Rob Lynch, CEO of Shake Shack, and will oversee all aspects of technology.

“Justin brings a wealth of experience as a technology leader to Shake Shack, along with an impressive track record of driving innovation across industries,” said Lynch. “He’s joining us at a pivotal time in our growth, and we’re confident his expertise will play a key role in elevating our operations and delivering an even better experience for our guests."

As Chief Information and Technology Officer, Mennen will be responsible for overseeing Shake Shack's information technology (IT) department, including the development and implementation of technology strategies, systems, and processes that support the Company’s operations and business objectives. He will work closely with the executive team to identify opportunities for technology innovation, improve business processes and enhance the guest experience.

“I’m honored to join Shake Shack, a brand that continues to redefine modern dining hospitality through innovation, technology, and exceptional guest experiences,” said Mennen. “I look forward to collaborating with the team to drive growth, advance our digital capabilities and deliver solutions that fuel Shake Shack’s ongoing success.”

Mennen is a seasoned technology leader with a deep expertise in technology strategy, cybersecurity and large-scale systems implementation across a number of industries. Most recently, Mennen served as EVP, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Rite Aid Corp., where he led digital and technology organizations, enhancing online platforms and modernizing systems across 2,400 stores. Prior to Rite Aid, Mennen held key technology leadership roles at Estée Lauder, Compucom and Dell Technologies, driving innovation and operational improvements in each organization.

Epson  announced a partnership with Kitchen Armor, a restaurant kitchen solutions provider offering a full range of standard and custom kitchen automation products. Through this partnership, Kitchen Armor will bring Curbit capabilities, the industry’s first AI-powered kitchen capacity management solution for restaurants, and new hardware options to TrueOrder  Kitchen Display System (KDS), aiming to further optimize kitchen performance and order status communication via SMS. Through this partnership, Epson and Kitchen Armor are providing state-of-the-art, easy-to-implement kitchen technology to mid-sized chains and single location operators, allowing them to compete with larger corporate competitors on take-out efficiency, order accuracy and guest communication.

TrueOrder KDS with Kitchen Armor is an affordable, easy to set up and easy-to-install kitchen display system for restaurants, enhancing productivity from food prep to order fulfillment. Kitchen Armor manufactures and produces stainless steel touch solutions, along with custom mounting options that feature Power Over Ethernet (POE) capabilities that greatly simplify hardware installation and offer the most effective kitchen consulting services recognized throughout the industry. Kitchen Armor is the official reseller of Curbit’s services, and the partnership between Epson and Kitchen Armor will provide Curbit capabilities within TrueOrder KDS. Curbit helps restaurants manage their take-out orders intelligently by leveraging real-time kitchen data and AI to determine the optimal time to start digital orders and providing real-time order progress to guests and delivery drivers via SMS. Through this partnership, Curbit capabilities, including real-time order SMS progress updates and detailed speed of service reporting data, will be available within TrueOrder KDS.

“Kitchen Armor’s mission is to provide restaurants with the most advanced, industry-leading kitchen solutions that are cost-effective, easy to implement and designed to exceed customer expectations on day one,” said Paul Amestoy, co-founder, Kitchen Armor. “We are excited to work with Epson and strengthen our partnership with Curbit as we continue to be the industry-leading turn-key solutions provider for a diverse array of quick-service restaurants. This partnership will further allow customers to enhance their kitchen production, achieve better order accuracy and enhance customer communication.”

Adding to Epson’s existing TrueOrder KDS offerings from Microtouch, Logic Controls and Elo, this partnership will give customers more options for implementing the intuitive and robust TrueOrder KDS software. TrueOrder KDS is easy to set up and can be customized to fit a kitchen’s workflow with easy-to-use, browser-based configuration utility. The system can support as many as nine stations throughout the kitchen, to help ensure order information is handled by the right station.

“As a market leader with a reputation for providing expertise for both software and hardware kitchen solutions, Kitchen Armor has the experience and know-how to provide a full end-to-end solution for restaurants,” said Tessa Kohl, product manager, Epson America, Inc. “Many restaurants are looking to optimize kitchen efficiency, especially when managing orders coming from a range of third-party ordering and delivery apps, and we are excited to work with Kitchen Armor to deliver world-class solutions to meet these needs.”

For more information about TrueOrder KDS, visit www.epson.com/kds.